A Jesus girl, railroad wife, homeschool mom, avid book reader, enjoy's coffee, country life, walking, hiking, and yoga. Doing my best to make the most of life by following God, encouraging others, and enjoying every minute of it!! So follow me along as I blog about life as a mom, my faith, and sharing books. Proverbs 3:5~Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Monday, September 30, 2013

How are you doing on the Living and Active challenge if you decided to join the challenge? I have enjoyed it, incorporating my faith and fitness together has made my workouts a little easier and also having an accountability partner through this process too has been helpful! Audria reminds me to drink my water and checks in to be sure I am getting my workout down. Some days it be easy not too with the business of being a mama sometimes, but then I think to myself if my friend Audria can manage to fit in it I can to. She is an amazing mama of 4 beautiful kids and home-schools!

Part of also what helps me get my workout done is two days I teach yoga at the gym, so I go in a little early and get a workout done before I teach. If you love to join me come to my class at 9:30-10:15 at Mega Gym on Mondays and Wednesdays!

Saturday, September 28, 2013

A month ago I got the invitation to be apart of another wonderful book launch! I have been following Courtney's blog for a few years now and just love how she shares her walk with the King! Here is her blog http://womenlivingwell.org/ She recently wrote a book and it is now available for sale!! The book is, Women Living Well: Find Your Joy in God, Your Man, Your Kids, and Your Home http://womenlivingwell.org/the-book/ . This book is a must read for all wives and mama's!! It would also be a
great book to do in a small group!

I have the opportunity for one of my readers to win their very own copy
of this book. Make a comment on my blog and please be sure to leave me a
way of contacting you. I will randomly draw a winner on October 7, 2013.

Here are a few things I loved from the book:

"The Bible is revolutionary, life chaning, extraordinary, eye-opening, jaw-dropping and down right amazing. It is filled with romance, tragedy, hero's, good and evil. There is suspense, drama, wisdom and comfort. As you read, you will weep and you will jump for joy."

"We are a distracted generation. Beeps and chimes make us respond like pavlov's dogs!"

"Realtiy TV stuff can't hold a candle to a real marriage that is built on the foundation of God's Word and is built up in passionate love and respect."

"Hour by hour we receive the love, forgiveness, and grace of God, and hour by hour we must extend the same love, forgiveness and grace of God."

"Garbage in-garbage out, we must protect our minds."

"Will the world change your children, or will your children change the world? The answer to that question is in your parenting."

"Home is where we rest, refuel, and build strong relationships with our loved ones."

"Have we sat with God and just talked with him about our struggles, pains, and frustrations, giving Him all our cares in exchange for peace? Are we seeking God's will for our lives or some answers to some difficult situations? Have we sat still long enough to renew our minds in His Word so we can know His will rather than lose our minds?"

"We must press on. A woman's journey here on earth can be uncertain, and the road can be rocky. If we desire to be woman who live well, we must daily run to the living well and drink from it. Holiness must be our driving force. Together, let's intentionally tun out the clamor of the world as we listen to the voice of the Creator of this world. He loves you so! Keep walking with the KING!"

Some of her tips:

Whispering prayers as she does household tasks, cleaning, etc...take time to pray over your loved ones, over the places they sleep, their toys, the tv, etc...Let God use a daily prayer walk to transform your family. If you don't pray for them, who will?

Plan how you will have quiet time with God

Have we forgotten the power of the "I" ~Great I Am!

Vision for family, plans and dreams

Love how she ends each chapter in the book Walk with the KING!

*"I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for
free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only
recommend products or services I use personally and believer will be
good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal
Trade Commission's 16 CFR,Part 255. "Guides Concerning the Use of
Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Friday, September 27, 2013

In my women's Wednesday night class we are studying Gideon by Priscilla Shirer. God has been using this study to speak to me. From this week, I am soaking this in:
"Stakes are often much higher when the mission field is so personal. Wherever you are is where you are meant to serve now. Your greatest impact will be done here-in the ordinary rhythms of your daily living."

This week I started on a team for book launch by Kayse Lee Pratt. Undivided Mom will release October 7, here is a little description by Kayse "Undivided Mom is a devotional for moms who feel distracted,
pulled in a million different directions, and really just desperately
need Jesus to keep them from losing their ever-loving minds. It’s about mothering with a vision, with a purpose, for His glory, and through His strength."http://kaysepratt.com/undivided-mom I started reading it a few days ago and this is definitely a book I need to read, because I deal with daily distractions and there are some days I feel like I would forget my head if it wasn't attached to my neck.
Here are a few quotes:
"I'm learning that motherhood simply may not be the time to pursue all of my supposed to's at once."
"He desires our hearts more than our service. If we've got our hearts in the right place, everything else is secondary."
"Our perspective each day makes a difference."
Luke 11:34~"Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light. But when it is bad, your body is full of darkness."

Here is a great quote I came across from Peak 313 http://peak313.com/ “This is one sneaky way that satan will mess with your brain–convincing
you that it doesn’t matter unless you are going big or doing it perfect!
Whether it’s your health, your marriage, your ministry, or finances,
this is great inspiration! Small things add up. Be obedient with the
time and resources you have for today!”~Gary Thomas

Monday, September 23, 2013

If you haven't yet signed up to partake is in this fitness challenge, I encourage you too. It is great for those that work out at home, no gym or class required! But you do need to work out for 25 minutes at least four times a week and memorize the verse of the week. Also helps to have an accountability partner, so thankful for my friend Audria who is mine! She has kept me motivated on days when I didn't think I could get in a workout because I felt my day was full. All she did was send me a message and that is what kept me motivated and focused. I did complete the required workouts and verse memorization. I also drank more water then I normally do, all because Audria kept reminding me too! Thanks girl!!

I already started out great today. Actually I have no excuse I teach yoga on Mondays so I am required to be at the gym, I just go in before I teach. Today I got in almost 4 miles on the treadmill. Tomorrow I will plan a little cardio with some strength by working out to Jillian Michaels or Bob Harper workout video. I love these workout videos because they are short, but offer a great workout! Right now I am on my 4th glass of water, but if I count coffee, really I be on 6 cups of water!

Friday, September 20, 2013

Ryan's mom and step dad came for a visit early this week! We had fun few days, campfire and smores, antique shopping, and Wednesday night church together. Abigail got to have another little birthday celebration! Of course Aidan got a little something too. Thanks for the visit, hurry back soon!!! Here they are being spoiled, what grandparents do best! :)

It has been a busy blessed week, at times I felt overwhelmed. I struggle some days finding balance with all that is on my plate. God is still speaking to me through knots, because I still haven't got it right, but I am a work in progress, not perfect! http://momlifetoday.com/2013/09/no-pretty-little-bow/

Have you thought about the use of your time? "God gives us our time to steward and use for his glory just as he does
our money. Time is a resource and when we view it as something to use
for God, it changes our perspective in how we use it. In fact, when we
“seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” then all the little
distractions in our life lose their draw. Time wasters become less
desirable. We become more conscious of how we are using each and every
moment. Time, like money, can be invested in what is worthy or it can be
consumed and wasted." http://toshowthemjesus.com/2013/09/16/when-i-give-god-my-time/

"Jesus said that we need to abide in him because apart from him, we can do nothing (John 15:5).
Parenthood has revealed this truth to me in so many ways. I can do
nothing apart from the gospel, including parenting. It may sound trite,
but it’s true: I need the gospel more than I think I do — every single day." http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/we-really-need-the-gospel

What has God shared with you this week? How has He spoke with you? Give it some thought and write it down and if you feel like sharing, post a comment. Love to hear how God is speaking to you!

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)

Though one may be overpowered,two can defend themselves.A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

This is a much needed verse for me this week, with so many new things happening! Started teaching yoga and official start of Moms Connect!! Also my heart is sadden as some friends are going through some issues. Let's all encourage each other, where ever we may be on our journey! Today I managed to get in a Jillian Michaels workout, 15 minutes on the treadmill, I taught a 45 minute yoga class (not sure that counts as much), and I always start my day at home with a 20 minute yoga practice!

Saturday, September 14, 2013

We had the opportunity to review the book Rufus and Ryan Go to Church by Kathleen Long Bostrom. Perfect since I have a 2 and 5 year old. My oldest really liked it and I asked her what she learned from the book and if she liked it. She said about going to church and praying. She said she also really liked it. My son liked pointing out the monkey in the book. My take, it is a nice board book, very durable, great illustrations, and quick short read, to the point! I would recommend this book for little one's.

I have the opportunity for one of my readers to win their very own copy of this book. Make a comment on my blog and please be sure to leave me a way of contacting you. I will randomly draw a winner on September 20, 2013.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Rufus and Ryan Go To Church!

In Rufus and Ryan Go to Church!,
four-year-old Ryan explains to his stuffed monkey, Rufus, what is
happening as they attend church on Sunday morning. He lets Rufus know
when it’s time to sing and to pray and to be quiet. Author Kathleen
Bostrom brings a delightfully light touch to the text as she provides an
introduction to an experience that most children are exposed to long
before they understand why. And children everywhere will relate to the
idea of explaining their surroundings to their favorite companions as
they go about their daily activities.

This is just one of the first titles in a new series of inspirational books for preschoolers.

About the Rufus and Ryan

Rufus
and Ryan is a new series of books for preschoolers, featuring Ryan, an
energetic little boy, and his stuffed monkey Rufus. Basic Christian and
church concepts serve as the foundation of the series, with an
additional focus on character traits and development. The text is
presented in young Ryan’s voice as he teaches Rufus about the concepts
he is learning himself. Each story is about 150 words, using
age-appropriate vocabulary and themes.

Also available now, Rufus and Ryan Say Their Prayers

WHO is this book for?

- Children ages 2 to 5 and their parents, grandparents

- These faith-based board books make great gifts during any season: Christmas, Easter, baby

- Toddler birthday

- Gift from grandparents

- Gift for your child's Sunday School teacher of children's minister

- Perfect for church nurseries, Sunday school classes, preschools, and church worship settings

About the Author

Kathleen
Long Bostrom is a published children’s author in both the Christian and
trade markets. She has a Master’s in Christian Education and a
Doctorate of Ministry in Preaching, and she has worked in children’s
ministry for many years. Kathy and her husband, Greg, have three grown
children and live in Illinois.

About the Illustrator

Rebecca
Thornburgh began illustrating children’s books full-time in 1996 and
today has almost 100 books to her name. Rebecca’s vibrant watercolors
have been showcased in previous Ideals titles, including the new edition
of The Story of Christmas. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and two daughters.

https://www.facebook.com/IdealsBooks
*"I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believer will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR,Part 255. "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Friday, September 13, 2013

This week I was taught a lesson through knots. Has God ever spoke to you during your day? I am not always the best listener! Reason is because there are so many distractions in my life, most of those are because of my precious children, and there are also many other distractions the dishes, laundry, meals, etc... so I am not always the best at hearing God. The other day, I ended up untying several knots or trying to, but then got frustrated (I haven't untied knots lately, so I thought why am I constantly having to untie knots today?) There was knot in bow, then a necklace, some toy got tangled up, and then a necklace again. It was the third time I was untying a knot when I heard just let it go, let go of what is causing you stress. So right there I gave it up to God! I loved how my week has ended, fall weather has arrived and looking forward to spending some time with a dear friend and her sweet girls. I am remembering to stop and focus on the blessings after a busy day, it helps put things into perspective!

These blog posts are what spoke to me this week, what about you? How did God speak to you?

You are a wonder.You are a mighty-doer-of-grand deeds.You are wildly under-rating yourself.

In this season of deep, up-to-the-elbows busy.- See more at: http://lisajobaker.com/2013/09/mom-guilt-im-getting-over-it/#sthash.KBMKLjIE.dpuf

You are a warrior.You are a wonder.You are a mighty-doer-of-grand deeds.You are wildly under-rating yourself.

In this season of deep, up-to-the-elbows busy.- See more at: http://lisajobaker.com/2013/09/mom-guilt-im-getting-over-it/#sthash.KBMKLjIE.dpuf

"When God is my greatest desire, it will not matter what other people
think or say about me (Psalm 27:10). It will not matter whether I have a
little or a lot to claim as my own (Philippians 4:12). It will not
matter whether I am successful or a failure in the eyes of the world (1
Corinthians 1:8). And it will not matter if my world crumbles down
around me (Habakkuk 3:17-18). Because if I have God as my greatest
desire, I have everything I could ever want or need."- See more at: http://toshowthemjesus.com/2013/09/09/my-greatest-desire/

I start back teaching yoga classes next week! Also next week Peak313 starts her 5 Week“Living and Active” challenge. Perfect timing for me! Her goal is to get you into God’s Word which holds the keys to getting us Living & Active! So I am taking the challenge and I encourage y'all too!! You can find out more here - http://peak313.com/featured/the-2nd-annual-living-and-active-challenge/

This fall I have been blessed to be apart of two book launches!!

The first one is Women Living Well by Courtney Joseph. She also has a blog, which I have been following for a couple years, love it! Right now they are doing a prelaunch special of her book with some freebies. The book is great, I am almost finished and will write a review soon, but I encourage you to take advantage of her freebies and get the book, you won't be disappointed. http://womenlivingwell.org/2013/09/get-10-free-ebooks-when-you-pre-order-women-living-well/

Monday, September 9, 2013

I may be a little biased, but I think my daughter got her daddy, aunt Rachel, and great grandma's artist gene. Yes we have some talented artists in our family, and I have cousin too that is talented and teaches art! I actually have a couple pieces of jewelry I wear from my cousin! Her great grandma's artwork has been on display in various places and we have one of her beautiful pictures hanging in our house. Same with Ryan's sister we have one of hers in the kids room and I have tried to hang Ryan's but he won't let me. I know for certain it didn't come from me, if you have ever seen my coloring compared to Abigail's then you will agree!
This picture is something she decided to do on her own and then came and showed us. I was amazed that she thought of making a picture from a page in a book. I think it is awesome coming from a girl that just turned 5! I know I couldn't make something that good!

At home she spends most her time coloring and drawing, so she also has a passion for it! I need to look into some art classes for her!

Sunday, September 8, 2013

I have been following Courtney's blog for a few years now and just love how she shares her walk with the King! Here is her blog http://womenlivingwell.org/

Courtney recently wrote a book, Women Living Well: Find Your Joy in God, Your Man, Your Kids, and Your Home http://womenlivingwell.org/the-book/ . I am half-way through this book and have taken a lot of notes from it! This book is a must read for all wives and mama's!! It would also be a great book to do in a small group! I will be writing a blog and sharing more, but I didn't want you to miss out on this great deal she has going on!

If you purchase ONE copy of my book before September 30th, you will receive a FREE 10-eBook bundle!

#WomenLivingWell

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Boys are so different from girls!! I learn something new everyday from my children! I know God is teaching me through my children and using them to mold me into the woman He has made me to be. Some days my boy makes me shake my head and think oh my...and I think to myself why would he do that. But then God made men different from women, men are designed to be protectors, warriors, and adventurous fearless men!

Yesterdays adventure included playing in the toilet. I thought the kiddos were cleaning up there rooms while I was cooking supper, well Abigail was, but I found little man playing with the plunger in the toilet and there was water everywhere! I thought how are you ever going to learn to go potty in the toilet if you think it is something to play with and again why would you do that? I suppose it looked fun through his eyes, me not so much. I didn't get made, I gave him grace and cleaned it up.

This morning, he found a sticker and gave it to me to throw away, so I did and said thank you. Then he came back to me a minute later and put something in my hand and I thought oh he just found something for me to throw away, well he did a live bug, ewwww, so again I gritted my teeth smiled and said thank you. Note to self, check what he is going to put into your hand before he does it so you don't get surprise and nearly grossed out.

So thankful for God for giving me the children he did, it is never a dull moment and I am always learning from them!!

Psalm 127: 3-5

Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?Like a warrior’s fistful of arrowsare the children of a vigorous youth.Oh, how blessed are you parents,with your quivers full of children!Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you;you’ll sweep them right off your doorstep.

Blessed to be apart of another wonderful book launch team for When A Woman Finds Her Voice by Jo Ann Fore!!! I met Jo Ann through another book launch and blogging, she has an amazing testimony that she shares in her book!

Jo Ann shares her story, along with others and how they walked through their pain! She shares how to break those chains and live out the destiny God is offering you. "Eons ago, before you were ever born, God designed you with a unique purpose to discover and fulfill on earth. He’s always intended to use every part of your life—no matter how broken—in his Kingdom-building plan."

There are so many great quotes in this book, that speak to me and many woman I know that have dealt with a terrible situation in their lives. Here are a few:"For the soul-wounded woman.Your healed voice is my favorite sound.Your hurts,they walk right into our hearts;but your story of healing—that can change lives. Never be afraid to find and use your voice."

"We intend to hide our shortcomings and the fear inside our hearts, but instead, we

hide our beauty, our true self

"Those things we stuff, try so hard to ignore, they are the very things begging for

release, the things that hold the promise of hope, the flame of freedom."

"That link we have with Jesus-that also links us to each other. God designed us for intimate community with each other. He wants us to do life together, sharing both our successes and our struggles."

You will feel and see God's grace in the stories shared by those that have dealt with life hurts. This book will help you find healing and help you to reach out to others that need healing. You will learn how to overcome life's hurts and be moved to share your story, she shows you how to do that in this book. These stories will have the power to change your life and also the lives of others.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

I have a heart to help and encourage others, it comes from God, because I surely could not do it on my own, because some days lets be honest I can have a stinky attitude and I bet you do too?

Right now I am feeling very overwhelmed with everything, but none of it bad stuff, all of it is good, but even all the good stuff can get overwhelming. I need to remember to be thankful, trust the Lord and praise the Lord for all He provides. This is the verse that is much needed now for me.But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall
mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they
shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

This is one blog I have book marked to keep me focused...Encouraging words here.... You don't need to wait for the stars to align. You don’t need to wait for permission. You don’t need to wait until
it seems realistic. You don’t need to wait for a mentor to show you how.
You don’t need to wait until you can do something big.Being a hero to yourself, your husband, your kids, your family, your
friends or the people that follow – being a hero starts now.http://simplemom.net/this-post-is-for-the-brave-ones/

Today my baby girl turns 5!! Whoa where did the time go? She is an amazing sweet beautiful girl with a compassionate heart! We are so blessed to have her in our family! She has taught me a lot and still continues to.

This last year she has really grown to love being a country girl and loves all types of animals, especially horses. So this year being it is her Golden Birthday we splurged a little and surprised her with a horse and pony rides for her birthday party! She invited her friends from church and preschool and we all had a great time!! Praising God for the beautiful weather we had and time with friends and family!! So thankful for my parents and aunt who were here visiting and helped, definitely wouldn't have been able to do it without them!!

Happy Birthday Abigail!! We love you to the moon and back
and then more...

The horses getting ready! Yeehaw!!
Abigail enjoyed many rides, along with her friends! We so appreciate all those that took the time and came out to help celebrate her birthday!

Monday, September 2, 2013

Birthdays and more birthdays...
We have lots of birthdays in our family in September, plus a couple of my girlfriends too are September babies! But my favorite little girl's birthday is this week! Yes my sweet daughter turns 5, though some days it feels like she is going on 20! It is actually her golden birthday this year, so we are celebrating it big this week!

Here she is with daddy when she was less then a week old

and with mama!!

My parents and aunt arrived yesterday so we will be having some fun family time! In addition, Abigail has invited some friends over to celebrate her special day!

What makes this mama sad, is that last night Abigail had her first sleepover, first time she has been away from me other then when I had little man. Abigail was kind of sad that my family wasn't staying at our house this time, instead they opted to stay at a cabin at LBL and Abigail asked if she could go. So last night Abigail had her first sleepover with the grandparents. Well I haven't heard anything, so obviously she is having a great time! Do you know what is sweet and what made this mama's heart happy? She asked me and her daddy to pray for her so she wouldn't be scared! I prayed God please comfort Abigail and help her not to be scared and that Jesus is watching over her.

Then first thing this morning I thought about the verse Abigail was taught and memorized in preschool last year and this verse is so perfect for any one that is fearing something or afraid.Psalm 23The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

I love how God works in the daily moments, He is always there and always present for us!!

Prayer Beads~Reminder To Pray

A Journey For Life

A Railroad wife and homeschooling stay at home mom to two children! We are Raising Arrows and enjoying this journey of faith! I have a slight obsession with books. I'm Minnesota raised, lived in Texas and Kentucky, Tennessee is home! I started this blog to keep long distance family/friends up-to-date on birth of our first child and since then it has become much more. Hubby is a Railroad Engineer. #journeyofFAITH